12 Absolutely Banging Proper Watches Under $400
WIRED and its panel of watch experts hunted for real mechanical timepieces at rock-bottom prices and found a wealth of options. Here are our favorites.
For under $400, these are the watches that have been praised by watch experts:
1. Caravelle Sea Hunter: This mechanical dive watch is surprisingly attractive and capable for just $300. It features a Bulova budget brand, modern Sea Hunter design with a 39mm size, 200 meters of waterproofing, a 120-click unidirectional bezel, and a 42-hour power reserve. It can be paired with various straps, including rubber, nato, or steel bracelet.
2. Orient Bambino Version 7 38mm: At $295, this automatic dress watch boasts a timeless 38mm design with a white dial and leather strap. The automatic Japanese movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back, and it has 30 meters of water resistance.
3. Brew Metric Lite Retro: This smaller version of Brew's original Metric Retro is a favorite of British GQ's lifestyle director, Mike Christensen. At $375, it features a 30mm stainless steel case with a matching bracelet, an automatic movement visible through the open caseback, and 50 meters of water resistance.
4. Timex Marlin 1965 Reissue Hand-Wound: This hand-wound watch, priced at $259, is recommended by watch expert Chris Hall. It marks Timex's return to mechanical watches and is small, quirky, and stands out on its own. With 30-meter water resistance and a leather strap, it has a 34mm size.
5. Sea-Gull 1963 "International Edition": This hand-wound mechanical chronograph is based on a vintage pilot's timepiece originally built for the Chinese Air Force in 1961. The International Edition version, priced at $269, is a faithful reproduction with the ST1901 movement, 38mm size, and 30-meter water resistance.
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